A new software application from Palisade Systems and Audible Magic will identify and block copyrighted songs that are shared online.  The RIAA, naturally, strongly supports the new program, which will be released as an optional aspect of the PacketHound network-management service.

The application will allow networks to block just copyrighted songs, but not other peer-to-peer file traffic.  The program works within a network, such as a college's, and would look at student file transfers to recognize audio "fingerprints" that match the program's database.  When a match is made, the software would block the song's transfer while in progress. 

Palisade's Doug Jacobson told CNET the program would not work on an encrypted network, but could be used to block an entire file transfer program altogether on such a network.  The new version of PacketHound will be released this week.